Hayagriva TheNews Hayagriva Buddhist Centre Newsletter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~64 Banksia Terrace, Kensington, Western Australia 6151 Telephone (08) 9367 4817 www.hayagriva.org.au July to October 2015 August Teachings with Venerable

Venerable Robina has been described as funny, dynamic, What is Meditation and Why do it? affectionate, kind and outrageous. This, with her ability to 7:30pm Monday 3, 10, 17 August. move across the ground at a million miles a minute, A Bird Needs Two Wings: proves conclusively that you do not necessarily have to be Wisdom and Compassion quiet, serene and passive to be Buddhist. 7:30pm Wednesday 5, 12, 19 August.

She says: "I'm radically working on my own mind. Not How to Loosen the Grip of Ego by believing in the way things appear to us: you can't get Understanding Dependent Arising more radical than that." and Emptiness 7:30pm Thursday 6, Thursday 20 August. Ven Robina has been ordained for 35 years, has edited the FPMT's Magazine and many books, How to Help Our Loved Ones Enjoy Death run the Liberation Prison Project, featured in two movies, and go Happily to Their Next and tours the world inspiring others with her teachings 7:30pm Friday 7 August. from the heart. (See Page 5 for details)

Buddhism 1-2-3 and What's ? Sonam’s Teachings Taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Drop in Buddhism is the first step on the Buddhist path. It's an Intermediate New Wednesday Night Teaching acknowledgement that Buddhism is the spiritual Mind Training Like Rays of the Sun 2:30pm Sundays. These user-friendly Wednesday night path for you to end not only the uncertainty and Advanced sessions starting in July will be presented by suffering of this life, but the suffering of future Tsong Khapa Guru Yoga experienced western students and are lives. 7:30pm Tuesdays. designed to help you gain an experience of the As Lama Yeshe said: ‘To take refuge means 'to (More on Page 3) path as well as learn more about the Buddhist rely upon'. We rely upon the Buddha, the Dharma, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ teachings. the Sangha--they are a saviour, a liberator. We 80th Birthday Celebration The program will involve a combination of do not rely upon the Buddha image but upon the of His Holiness the 7:30pm Monday 6 July. western-style teaching, practical experience Buddha nature. You put the essence of this inside Holy Day: First Turning of the Wheel through meditation, and discussion. your heart. That way you become Buddha, you Monday 20 July. Suitable for new or more experienced become Dharma, you become Sangha.’ (More on Page 4) students, different topics will be covered over three evenings of the month with the fourth a Ben’s Refuge stand-alone ‘Drop in Buddhism ’ night Ben Russell, who took refuge with Geshe Sonam at our Centre last designed to give newer students a taste of the month, only started coming to Hayagriva in February. However, the Buddhist experience. 34-year-old had been interested in Buddhism for 18 months and was The first of the topics in the series is a very influenced by two books by Eckhart Tolle who has been listed by a practical ‘How to Meditate’, presented by website as the most spiritually influential person in the world. Angela Doyle. The books resonated with Ben. ‘He’s not Buddhist but has studied Buddhism and Christianity. He’s Subsequent topics include ‘Mind and its a new age philosopher. It opened my eyes to the fact that there is more to life than cars and Potential, ‘Death and Rebirth’, All About houses.’ Karma’, ‘Refuge’, ‘Establishing a Daily He also read a book by Venerable Brahm and was hit by a quote: ‘Letting go of the past is so Practice’, ‘Transforming Problems’ and ‘The we can enjoy the present and our future will be free. ‘ Wisdom of Emptiness’. Ben Googled Buddhism, saw the Centre wasn’t too far away and started coming to Geshe Sonam’s The sessions are designed to fill the gap Tuesday and Wednesday night teachings as well as Sunday morning meditation, in addition to between the brevity of led meditations, where yoga (his eight-year-old daughter, also enjoys going to meditation). it is difficult to present detailed explanations, ‘For some reason coming to Hayagriva just clicked. It felt like coming home,’ he said. and the greater detail presented in Geshe Sonam’s teachings which can be a challenge He said he reads truck loads of Buddhist books and saw that taking refuge was important. for students without some basic ‘One night at the teachings Geshe Sonam said you need to take refuge for your spiritual practice understanding of Buddhism. and that it gives protection so I thought I would do it not just for myself and my family, but the Cost is by donation. All welcome. people I cross paths with,’ Ben said. (More on Page 3) July to October 2015 Page 1 Why Refuge By Lama Yeshe 1935 – 84, founder of the FPMT

We should not feel that taking refuge is go along with your friend but at a certain point something strange, something new. Already, you need to say, "Wait a minute, I'm going so far we take refuge in food, in keeping warm, in away with you. I've got to bring myself this houses and clothes and chocolate. Already, way." Do you see? Karmically, there is nothing we take refuge in these things in order to be wrong with this. To keep the relationship is happy. important but if your dear friend leads you so far away then you should say, "Dear friend, I love So why should we take refuge now, at this you but I cannot go so far. I don't have to go like time? What is so special? We should a prisoner with you or do everything you do." understand clean-clear that taking refuge in Your own discriminating wisdom tells you what chocolate or ice cream is not sufficient, it is right, so just cut--cut the connection. doesn't give everlasting realization. The refuge that does give everlasting realization is This is so important. This modern world is an inner experience, an inner understanding, incredible, I tell you! You can become totally and confidence in the Buddhadharma. lost. You know this better than I do, I'm sure. It is so important to have a Dharma friend who has correct vision, correct Taking refuge in the Dharma is understanding the universal nature of behaviour and can protect you from danger. Of course, when we reach yourself and all beings. This is the way to completely free yourself. This the stage of we don't need to depend on Sangha friends is the way to elevate yourself from all miserable situations. When you because we are completely self-sufficient then. understand this there is no reason to be unhappy, to crave ice cream, is there? Anyway, you know--when you buy ice cream and eat it, it is not So today you should make strong determination that temporary refuge sufficient, is it? is something trivial and does not solve problems. Understand that the only way to finally solve problems is to totally cut the ego, the ignorant Think about your own experience, what you take refuge in when you are desire; to understand the universal reality within you. And the way to unhappy. When you're miserable, you try to do incredible things! You do this is to practice Dharma as much as possible from now until death try going to the cinema, going dancing--anything to make you forget and in each life after that. your unhappiness. The point is, whatever you take refuge in doesn't give you a solution: you have to understand this clean-clear. But remember, do not take refuge as just another excuse or because of some vague mystical idea. Take refuge with understanding of Buddha's From now on, from today, understand that ice cream and dancing are teaching, with clean-clear honesty and truth, with a wisdom-mind. superficial, momentary refuges and that practicing Dharma is the everlasting refuge that leads to everlasting happiness. Dharma is the Understand the connection between Buddha and you. Buddha has way, Buddha the leader, and Sangha the dear friends who take care, who universal love and compassion and complete understanding of reality. give good understanding, who energize you by their good behaviour. You also have compassion and love for people, but it's limited. You also have wisdom; to some extent you understand yourself but, again, it's The other ways we try to take refuge, the samsaric ways, do not limited. So you want to lift yourself up, have better understanding. You fundamentally change the problem; they only supplement. The problem want Buddha's omnipresent compassion and love and your compassion comes up again later in some other way. However, taking refuge in the and love to communicate, to connect, to unify exactly. Buddhadharma lasts, permanently lasts, and is much stronger than refuge in temporary objects. Don't think, "Oh, but I do not have enough qualities." You do have the qualities of love, compassion and wisdom. Buddhism emphasizes so To take refuge you don't need to be near a Buddha statue or in a temple much that the human being--you--is as important as Buddha: you or prayer place. You can take refuge anywhere; it is simply a state of should have confidence that your present limited wisdom, your weak mind. Wherever you are--in the bathroom, in the car, in bed, in a plane- love and compassion can be limitlessly developed. There is no way to -you can take refuge. It is a simple, very practical thing. You don't need stop its development. The development of material is limited, but this to do anything, you don't need a vow. You can take refuge instantly, just wisdom mind-energy can develop infinitely. Your love can expand like that! without limitation. Your compassion can increase limitlessly. To take refuge means "to rely upon." We rely upon the Buddha, the Remember this. It is beautiful, isn't it? This energy,the human mind, has Dharma, the Sangha--they are a saviour, a liberator. We do not rely no limitation at all. upon the Buddha image but upon the Buddha nature. You put the So, have strong motivation and strong confidence. Even though essence of this inside your heart. That way you become Buddha, you momentarily you feel you cannot have love and compassion for some become Dharma, you become Sangha. people, this is only superficial. Today, you have changed your mind: I Buddha and Dharma seem enough, so why do we need Sangha? We can give, I can love. Today,make your enemy your object of compassion. need friends, good friends, don't we? "Bad" friends influence you and You can do it. bring you into hell. We know that some humans are chicken-mentality A talk given by Lama Yeshe at a refuge ceremony in Madrid, Spain in January 1983. human beings, some are pig-mentality, some monkey, and some snake- mentality. We know this, so we should choose, discriminate. You can

July to October 2015 Page 2 Spiritual Program (Please check the calendar on our Centre website at www.hayagriva.org.au or our weekly eNews for updates and changes to the program) Teachings with Geshe Sonam Other Teachings - Wednesday Advanced teachings Buddhism 1-2-3 (NEW!) These user-friendly sessions over three weeks starting in July are Commentary on Lama designed to help you gain an experience of the path as well as learn more Tsong Khapa Guru Practice about the Buddhist teachings. The program will involve a combination of (with commentary on the Yamantaka western-style teaching, practical experience through meditation, and Sadhana on the last Tuesday of the discussion with a separate intro-like Drop in Buddhism session on the last month) Wednesday of the month. 7:30pm Tuesdays (not on 25 August because of Guru Puja). July: 'How to Meditate' with Angela Doyle. Kyabje Zopa said that to have 7:30pm 8, 15, 22 July. the opportunity to practice this great These user-friendly sessions starting in July are designed to help you holy being's (Lama Tsong Khapa’s) yoga is even more fortunate than gain an experience of the path as well as learn more about the having the opportunity to receive other teachings and the opportunity Buddhist teachings. The program will involve a combination of to do other dharma practice. western-style teaching, practical experience through meditation, and Attempting the guru yoga practice of the inseparability of your own discussion root guru and Lama Tsong Khapa establishes the root of all happiness from this life up to enlightenment. August: No Buddhism 1-2-3.

Geshe Sonam will teach the Lama Tsong Khapa practice on the first September: 'The Wisdom of Emptiness' with Matt Whiston. three Tuesdays of each month then explain the short Yamantaka 7:30pm 2, 9, 16 September Sadhana on the final Tuesday of each month. A realization of emptiness dramatically changes how we view A number of students have received this initiation from Kyabje Choden ourselves, others and everything with which we interact. It is crucial Rinpoche and have a commitment to do the practice every day. for the attainment of liberation and enlightenment.

(Anyone can attend the Lama Tsong Khapa teachings. However, a October: 'Mind and its Potential' with Jude Carter. Yamantaka Initiation is a prerequisite to attend the Yamantaka 7:30pm 14, 21, 28 October. teachings on the last Tuesday evening of each month). Examine what is mind, its nature and function, and how it affects our By donation. experience of happiness and suffering. Explore the differentiation (The Lama Tsong Khapa teachings will be taped and accessible between mind and brain, mind as the creator of our experiences, and through our website, however, the Yamanataka teachings can only be learn methods to transform destructive thoughts and attitudes and accessed through a password from [email protected]). create a positive and joyous mind. Drop in Buddhism Intermediate teachings One-night intro-like sessions with an experienced western student. 7:30pm 29 July, 30 September (not in August or October). Suitable for new or experienced students Suitable for newer students, these sessions involve a led meditation, a short teaching on an aspect of the Buddhist path and discussion. Mind Training Like the Rays of the Sun 2:30pm Sundays(not on 19 July) . Based on the essential sayings of the no-nonsense scholar/meditator Yamantaka Self-Initiation Kadampa masters, this text deals with the erroneous minds of self (Initiates only) 1:00pm set up, 2:00pm start. grasping and self cherishing. We suffer because we allow these minds Saturday 12 September, 17 October. to take hold. This is one of the great texts dealing with eliminating these Students who have received a Yamantaka Initiation can attend the first half but disturbing emotions. By donation. only those who have completed the retreat and fire puja can do the second part of the practice. By donation.

Other Events with Geshe Sonam Q&A and Cake with Geshela 3:30pm Sunday 26 July, 30 August, 27 September, 25 October. Join Geshe Sonam for a cup of tea and cake in an informal setting to ask any Vajrapani/Hayagriva/Garuda Jenang questions or raise any issues you may have. Q&As are held on the last Sunday 2:30pm Sunday 19 July. of each month. All welcome. This aspect of the Buddha represents power (Vajrapani), compassion (Hayagriva) and wisdom (Garuda) which helps purify our body, speech and mind. The Jenang will allow students to say the of the deity which Sunset Walk to the River with Geshe Sonam helps remove illness, emotional disturbance and harmful spirits. There is no 5.30pm Friday 31 July, (not in August), 25 September, ongoing practice commitment and anyone can take the Jenang. 30 October. By donation. Meet at the Centre for a relaxing walk with Geshela down to the river and back. A coffee/tea stop is optional. All welcome.

July to October 2015 Page 3 Spiritual Program (Please check the calendar on our Centre website at www.hayagriva.org.au or our weekly eNews for updates and changes to the program) Meditations Holy Days It is easiest to start meditating in a group with an experienced student leading the meditation. A number of different led meditations are held each Birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama week. 7:30pm Monday 6 July. His Holiness, Nobel Prize winner and considered to be a manifestation of the Buddha of compassion, Chenrezig, turns 80 Sunday Meditation today so join us for a Chenrezig puja and tea and cake. 10:00am Sundays. All welcome. By donation. A general guided meditation suitable for new or more experienced students. By donation. Day Marking Buddha's First Teaching Monday Meditation and International Sangha Day 7:15pm Mondays (not on 6, 20 July; 3, 10, 17 August or 7, 28 September). Monday 20 July. These meditations are suitable for new or experienced students and utilise This Wheel turning Day marks the day the Buddha first taught the Buddhist techniques without the Buddhist jargon. By donation. Dharma after manifesting enlightenment and is one of the four important holy days of the year. Tuesday Morning Meditation 10:00am Tuesdays Significantly the karmic effect of positive (and negative) actions is Led by Venerable Drolma, these sessions are suitable for new magnified 100 million times on these holy days so practitioners try to or experienced students and involve relaxation and meditation undertake virtuous activities and keep their minds positive. on Buddhist concepts. By donation. - 6:15am Precepts given by Geshe Sonam (eight vows taken for 24 hours with an attitude to benefit others). Pujas - 2:00pm Set up extensive water bowls and light offerings. - 7:30pm Light offerings and Shakyamuni Buddha Puja. Pujas are traditional chanting ceremonies in English and Tibetan, the of By donation. of food, flowers welcome. which can be dedicated to help bring about particular goals. There are pujas for meditation practice, purification, removing obstacles, long life, death, illness, business, etc. It is traditional to bring an offering of food or flowers to pujas. International Sangha Day

Guru Puja: The Guru Puja, chanted in Tibetan and English, lays the - the Real Heroes foundation of the whole path to enlightenment on our mind stream, connects us more strongly to our teachers, allows us to accumulate skies of merit, and Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche said the difference between an ordained purifies eons of negative karma. person and lay people is like the difference between the sky and - 4:30pm Saturday 11 July. the earth. Monks and have taken the decision to devote their - 5:00pm Sunday 26 July, 9 August. lives to the practice of Buddhism to the exclusion of all else, and - 7:30pm Tuesday 25 August. to live within the strict monastic rules. - 7:30pm Monday 7 September. - 7:30pm Wednesday 23 September. It's not an easy life in western countries but the survival of - 7:30pm Wednesday 7 October. Buddhism is dependent on the existence of communities of monks - 7:30pm Thursday 22 October. and nuns. International Sangha Day is the FPMT's way of By donation. acknowledging their contribution through: - Showing respect for and appreciation of Sangha; Puja: Tara is the female manifestation of Chenrezig, the Buddha of - Generating deeper awareness of the Sangha jewel, and compassion, and helps to quickly bring about requested aims. - Donating to the Lama Yeshe Sangha Fund at - 2:00pm Saturday 25 July, 29 August, 26 September, 31 October. (http://imisangha.org/support/lama-yeshe-sangha-fund). By donation. White Tara Long Life Practice Rinpoche says: ‘() In the West it isn't easy for Sangha .... It has gradually been developing respect to Sangha, which there wasn't - 4:00pm Saturday 25 July, 29 August, 26 September, 31 October. for many years. In Western society, the life, and culture here, it's (follows Tara Puja). Includes a short meditation and recitation of the White not easy, I think it's a challenge being in such a country where the Tara mantra which can assist in countering illnesses and life hindrances. culture and everything is totally there to develop delusion, like By donation. exploding delusions, to bring out delusion. Everything is like that.’

Medicine Buddha Puja and Prayers for the Deceased ‘So I would say that it is incredibly heroic, brave, to be in such a 2:00pm Saturday 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October. country, in such a culture and to be able to stay as a monk or . Once a month the Wheel of Life Hospice group conducts a shortened Medicine I think it is great, these beings are unbelievable heroes; in Buddha puja and prayers for the deceased from FPMT Centres around the world, Tibetan it's called 'pawo'. By mixing with people who have a totally or for friends and relatives of people associated with our Centre. The Medicine different culture, and then being able to live in your practice, the Buddha puja is said to be particularly effective in helping to cure illness or purify vows, well then that's being a really great hero, that's a great life hindrances. By donation. challenge. This hero is unbelievable,’ Rinpoche said.

July to October 2015 Page 4 Special Events (Please check the calendar on our Centre website at www.hayagriva.org.au or our weekly eNews for updates and changes to the program)

Teachings with Ven Robina Courtin Wheel of Life This is an exciting opportunity to experience an engaging presentation of the Buddhist teachings by one of the most Volunteers from the 'Wheel of Life Palliative Care Support Group' offer companionship, emotional and spiritual dynamic western Buddhist teachers today. support for the very sick and dying and their carers. They run seminars, discussion groups and training courses, and make home visits. What is Meditation and Why Do it? The main activity in recent years has been the running of training courses on 7:30pm Monday 3, 10, 17 August. the emotional and spiritual aspects of dying, death, grief and how to prepare As Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche says: ‘We can for these inevitable experiences. mould our minds into any shape we like’. According to Buddhism, we all have extraordinary potential to lessen and The group is a social outreach initiative of the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre. It eventually eradicate attachment, anger, depression and the other unhappy intends to also create a centre for the dying that has a focus on emotional states of mind that we wrongly assume are at the core of our being, and to and spiritual care. fully develop love, compassion and the other marvellous qualities that we Workshop: all possess. To do this we need to harness the energy of our minds by using the marvellous psychological techniques known as ‘meditation’. The Tibetan Book of the Dead: An Introduction Cost: $25 a session (Members $20) or 2:00pm Saturday 18 July, 19 September. $55 for all three sessions (Members $45). 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead' is probably the most celebrated and widely read work of Tibetan literature outside Tibet, an extraordinary guide to the A Bird Needs Two Wings: Wisdom and Compassion experiences of living, dying, death and rebirth. 7:30pm Wednesday 5, 12, 19 August. Our next two workshops will review the stages one goes through as one Compassion is the point of a spiritual path but, as His Holiness the Dalai dies and then move on to what happens to the consciousness after it Lama says, ‘Compassion is not enough, we need wisdom.’ This means we separates from the body and journeys through the intermediate state. need to know ourselves deeply and well by understanding the law of Register at www.hayagriva.org.au. karma – that we create our reality – and understanding our mind, Suggested donation: $20 for each workshop. therefore gradually becoming less fearful, less attached, less angry. This enables us to empathize with others and to gradually develop the courageous compassion to help others. Cost: $25 a session (Members $20) or Yoga $55 for all three sessions (Members $45). Regular yoga classes are offered throughout the year by two experienced and qualified yoga teachers who offer a variety of yoga How to Loosen the Grip of Ego by Understanding styles to cater for students from beginners to experienced Dependent Arising and Emptiness practitioners. 7:30pm Thursday 6, 20 August. We spend our lives being seduced by the outside world, believing Hatha Yoga: with Jude Carter. Brings balance between the body and completely that happiness and suffering come from ‘out there’. By mind as well as freeing the more subtle spiritual elements of the mind understanding emptiness – that everything occurs in dependence upon causes and conditions and, crucially, that there's nothing intrinsic in through physical postures (asanas), or breathing techniques anything that makes it what it is, we can gradually loosen the grip of ego- (pranayama), and meditation. grasping and begin to develop our innate potential for clarity, courage, and - 9:15am Mondays. the ability to benefit others. - 6:00pm Tuesdays. Cost: $25 a session (Members $20) or - 9:15am Thursdays. $40 for two sessions (Members $30) - 8:30am Saturdays.

How to Help Our Loved Ones Enjoy Death and go Happily Yin Yoga and Meditation: with Jude Carter. A deeply relaxing and to Their Next Rebirth inwardly focused practice, working into the connective tissues of the body, with a focus on hip and spine mobility. This practice is based on 7:30pm Friday 7 August. This title of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche's book perfectly expresses the Buddhist Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory and is conducive to approach to death: that this natural event is simply the transition from this cultivating and a sense of grounding. life to the next. The time of death Rinpoche says is the very best time to 6:00pm Wednesdays. help our loved ones, and he gives detailed descriptions of exactly what to do during the months and weeks before the death, at the time of death, Vinyasa Yoga: with Lewanna Newman. A dynamic flowing sequence and the days afterwards. Learning to know how to help our loved ones of yoga asanas with the main focus on the breath. The practice works also prepares us for our inevitable death. towards improved body and mind awareness, correct posture, Cost: $25 (Members $20). strength, agility, flexibility and most importantly, a sense of wellbeing. 6:00pm Mondays Beginners. 6:00pm Thursdays (need to know the sequence from Monday). Busy Bees 10:00am Saturday 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October. Hayagriva is our spiritual home and like any home it needs a clean-up and a garden trim once in a while. Your time is the most precious thing you have to give and just a couple of hours on a Saturday morning once a month can help create a conducive environment for not only your own spiritual development, but that of the hundreds of people who visit and benefit from our Centre.

July to October 2015 Page 5 Around Hayagriva

Cooking Demo Our super cook, Naveen Giraudo, held a cooking demonstration of her dhal and biriyani rice recipes in April followed by dinner with Geshela (and the formerly hungry participants).

Dharma Voices for Animals Dharma Voices for Animals (DVA) is an international not-for-profit organisation giving voice to those who cannot speak for themselves. DVA's mission is to highlight the suffering of animals exploited for their flesh, milk, eggs, skin, fur, experimentation and entertainment, and to assist Dharma practitioners to live kinder and eat kinder by encouraging the consumption of more grains, vegetables and fruits while at the Geshe Sonam's Birthday same time cutting down on animal foods. Geshela turned 51 on 16 June so a birthday cake was brought to the Tuesday night teachings to wish him well. By doing this we can reduce animal suffering and species destruction, optimise our health leading to a longer and healthier life and reduce our environmental footprint Hayagriva's Finances by saving water, energy and minimising These pie charts show the main areas of income and pollution. In short we are creating good expenditure for Hayagriva Buddhist Centre based on the karma. figures to the end of March (more detailed figures will be available after the Annual General Meeting later this year). DVA has chapters worldwide with the Perth chapter starting at the end of 2014. To date Overall the Centre is in a sound financial position though the Perth chapter has produced a there are storm clouds on the horizon. Our teacher compilation DVD on animals and the accommodation charges have increased while the donations from students attending teachings, meditations Buddha, conducted an art competition for and pujas at our Centre have halved over the 12-month primary school students on closely period. associated themes based on fruits, vegetables, animal farming, fishing, rain This is concerning as it is a significant part of our income at a forest clearing and global warming, and time when we face the ever increasing costs known only too participated in a Hayagriva animal well to households around the state. liberation event at York. Fortunately, income from Membership grew by almost a quarter over the same period last year and provides a Future activities will include visiting animal regular source of funds. sanctuaries around Perth with Sangha and lay people and arranging social gatherings. Thanks to everyone who supports our centre from our Membership is free and all are welcome. To precious members to those who make monthly donations, join please contact Albert Mah on 0417 957 those who make an offering in the donation bowl after 369 or Bobbie Lees on 0418 946 490. teachings, meditations and pujas; those who buy items required at our Centre to keep it ticking over and the many who give their precious time. This generosity allows us to Live Kinder, Eat Kinder present most of our program to the community without www.dharmavoicesforanimals.org charging. July to October 2015 Page 6 Please Remember

Our Centre depends entirely on donations to keep the doors open and we face the increasing expenses known only too well by families across the state - electricity, gas, phone, property repairs etc. In addition we support our excellent teaching team. Please remember to support the centre after Katoomba Retreat with His Holiness the Dalai Lama teachings, pujas and other More than 20 students from Hayagriva and Bunbury's Hospice of Mother Tara attended the five-day events. It makes a huge retreat with His Holiness in Katoomba. His Holiness gave a Yamantaka initiation to an audience of 600 difference. longer-term students then did most of the teaching as a commentary on the practice.

Nepalese Earthquake and Geshe Sonam's Family FPMT Earthquake Aid Geshe Sonam first heard about the big earthquake in Nepal on 25 April when a local The FPMT (with which Hayagriva Buddhist Centre is affiliated) Tibetan rang him. Earthquakes happen in that part of the world and Geshela thought launched an earthquake appeal with the funds distributed it was only a small one so he was surprised to hear how big it was when he rang his through our Kopan Monastery located in the Kathmandu Valley. older brother, Namgyal, who lives with Geshela's 93-year-old mother, Chozom, in The assistance so far includes: Kathmandu. Namgyal said the earthquake threw books off shelves, offering bowls fell to the - A blood donation program was conducted immediately ground and pictures fell off the walls which developed small cracks. He had to carry following the first earthquake by Kopan Sangha in their mother down four flights of stairs from their two room flat. cooperation with a local hospital and a blood bank in Kathmandu. The flat is in a settlement of about 1,000 Tibetan refugees established on the - Sangha members cleared the debris and blocked road around outskirts of Kathmandu when they fled Tibet in the 1960s. Fortunately nobody in the Kopan so that the rescue operations could be performed. settlement was injured or killed. - Cooked meals were served to the patients and the families in the local hospitals who were affected by the quake. However, for the next eight days they had to live in an open area under makeshift - Drinking water was supplied to the various parts of the city tarpaulins as the frequent aftershocks made it too dangerous to go back inside. where the normal water supply had been disrupted. Fortunately, a nearby old peoples' home provided food for the group. - Sangha members kept the surroundings free of garbage to Soon after they had they moved back into their flat the second earthquake struck so minimise health risks. it was back to camping under the tarpaulins. - Special prayer sessions were held every evening at the monastery for those who had lost their lives and for the grieving family members. The first week of prayer was led by Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. - Despite landslides blocking roads and continuing heavy rain, aid reached the 11 most affected districts in Nepal. - 5,385 families received shelter, blankets, rice, dahl, cooking oil and other staples. - 100 large tarpaulin tents were given to the Gompa Preservation and Development Committee of the Nepal Government to be handed out to damaged gompas in rural areas. - 580 families received blankets. - 1,800 individuals received clothing. - Three days of free medical camps were organized in the five most affected rural areas. They were helped by Kopan Sangha with medical training and other experienced volunteers. - An emergency medical team was airlifted 4,180 metres above sea level to treat patients.

Information on FPMT earthquake aid is available at Kopan sangha help with distribution of basic needs. http://fpmt.org/nepal-earthquake/ where donations can also be made.

July to October 2015 Page 7 Blessing Benefits Rescued Sheep by Paul Liebich

As a new member to Hayagriva and Buddhism, the blessing of the stupa on a We gathered at the house for a light morning tea and catch up which was good farm outside York on 1 June was my first group outing. for me as I met some more Hayagriva members (and dogs). We then walked to Kim and Penny's property, Wambyn Olive Farm, was much like other farms in the the Stupa for the blessing where you really felt a sense of benefit for the sheep Avon region, hidden from the main road with typical white gum trees and a mix of and the area. pasture. The scattering of old, retired pianos across the farm added character Then to an amazing vegetarian lunch and a talk on the cruelty to animals by and was a fitting retirement for these great instruments. Albert Mah and the new group, Dharma Voices for Animals(see Page 6) .

Contacting Geshela Please only make appointments to see Geshela or request visits from him through our Spiritual Program Coordinator, Susan di Bona. This ensures there are no double bookings, that our translator Matt Whiston is available, and that events can be organised in accordance with protocol. Appointments with Geshela are available each week at 6:00pm Tuesdays and from 5:00pm Sundays. Other times can be made if necessary. Contact Susan at [email protected] or 0431 679 246.

About Hayagriva eNews We publish a free electronic newsletter weekly which contains Hayagriva Buddhist Centre is a Centre for Buddhist learning and practice in updated details of our program and news about our Centre. Sign up Kensington following the Tibetan Gelugpa Buddhist tradition. on our webpage or contact the Centre to be included on our email list. It is affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Tradition (FPMT) which was founded by the late Lama (1935 – 1984) in 1975 Membership Membership is one of the most practical ways to support our Centre. and is under the spiritual guidance of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche who consults closely with Our Members are the heart of our Centre and provide a stable His Holiness the Dalai Lama. financial base to ensure the continuation of our work. Our resident teacher is Geshe Ngawang Sonam, a fully ordained monk who has A number of benefits are offered to Members such as discounts on completed the entire monastic training in India’s Sera Jey Monastery. courses, discounts from our bookshop, library borrowing rights and Our Centre has been operating for more than 25 years, is a non-profit organisation invitations to Members’ events. Once an application has been incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1987 (WA), is financed by approved by committee, applicants will also have a say in the future donations, and run by volunteers. of our Centre through voting rights at our Annual General and other meetings. Opening times Individual Membership costs $150 a year, families $220. It is also 10:00am – 2:00pm Monday to Saturday possible to sponsor the Membership of someone experiencing financial difficulties for $150. Contact the Centre for more details. Contact details To help provide an atmosphere conducive to the study and practice of Address: 64 Banksia Terrace, Kensington WA 6151 Buddhism, Members must agree to abide by our conditions of Telephone: (08) 9367 4817 Membership which are on our website. Email: [email protected] Website: www.hayagriva.org.au Note: Memberships payments can now be made through our website. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hayagriva-Buddhist- If you pay your Membership by electronic transfer, please email the Centre/222641277753778 Centre on [email protected] to inform us that you have paid. Otherwise, it can take some time to track your payment. Twitter: https://twitter.com/HayagrivaBC

About the FPMT The Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), with which Hayagriva Buddhist Centre is affiliated, is a grouping of more than 160 centres, monasteries, nunneries, retreat centres, projects and charitable endeavours in 41 countries worldwide. The FPMT was established in 1975 by the late Lama Thubten Yeshe and the spiritual director is Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. July to October 2015 Page 8